What are some serious issues that teenagers face today? Sexual behavior, Drug use, Violence and Suicide

Traditional Western Sexual Behavior Values strict norms against premarital sexuality. Until the 1960’s sexual values had the support of the vast majority of American’s – at least in principal, if not always in practice. However in the 1960’s and 1970’s the several factors led to what is known as the “ sexual revolution”

Sexual Revolution Development of the birth control pill Youth counter culture Feminist Movement

Values begin to change Topic is openly discussed Sexuality is a familiar feature in American culture today Sexual references are made in over 98 % of American households through the T.V. and other media outlets

Unanticipated consequences Increase in adolescence sexual behavior Social scientists devote more time to measuring the rate of teenage sexuality and analyzing the factors that influence teenage sexuality

Many young people engage in sexual risk behaviors that can result in unintended health outcomes. For example, among U.S. high school students surveyed in 20111 47.4% had ever had sexual intercourse 33.7% had had sexual intercourse during the previous 3 months, and, of these 39.8% did not use a condom the last time they had sex 76.7% did not use birth control pills or Depo-Provera to prevent pregnancy the last time they had sex 15.3% had had sex with four or more people during their life Sexual risk behaviors place adolescents at risk for HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unintended pregnancy: An estimated 8,300 young people aged 13–24 years in the 40 states reporting to CDC had HIV infection in 20092 Nearly half of the 19 million new STDs each year are among young people aged 15–24 years3 More than 400,000 teen girls aged 15–19 years gave birth in 20094 To reduce sexual risk behaviors and related health problems among youth, schools and other youth-serving organizations can help young people adopt lifelong attitudes and behaviors that support their health and well-being—including behaviors that reduce their risk for HIV, other STDs, and unintended pregnancy.

Influences on early sexual activity Family income level Parents marital status Religious participation Subgroups ( teens who are active ) Drug use Delinquency

Consequences 400.000 teen pregnancies per year Babies are born with less weight (20) Teens less likely to finish high school Lower life time earnings Children more likely to experience learning difficulties Repeating pattern / teen moms have more emotional stress than older mom

Teen Drug Use Drug is a substance that impairs the body and brain changes mood or behavior. Alcohol ( presently80% / is on the decline the last 10 years ) Cigarettes ( 47% on the decline ) Marijuana ( 49% gateway drug / increase) Other elicit drugs ( ecstasy, heroin, cocaine )

Influences on teen drug use Truancy Dysfunctional family environment Peers Low esteem Attitude that drugs are not harmful Easy access

Consequences of drug use Academic and attendance are poor Less likely to graduate from high school Lower life time earning Health related issues ( addiction ) More prone to other social problems such as gang or criminal activity Death / Drunk driving

Teenage Violence Bullying Gang / Drug violence Relationship abuse Gun control 1990’s / crack cocaine

Teenage suicide Emile Durkhiem classic study “ Suicide “ Examines levels of “social integration” “ the degree of attachment people have to social groups or to society as a whole “. / low vs. high levels Social disorder

Predictors of teen suicide Alcohol or drug use Triggering events Age ( older teenagers / young adults ) Sex ( females attempt more / males succeed ) Population destiny ( under populated areas have higher rates )

Suicide Family relations ( weak ties, divorce, violence, loss of parent, rejection Cluster effect: sometimes results in other attempts in that community Copycat: self destructive behaviors in already unstable adolescence